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Creamy Broccoli Cheese and Rice Casserole

creamy broccoli cheese and rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting Southern-style casserole combining tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a luscious creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 2 cups cooked long grain white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 to 1¼ cups milk (whole or 2%, or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for mixing with breadcrumbs, optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Steam 3 cups broccoli florets until bright green and just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Avoid overcooking. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in 1 to 1¼ cups milk until smooth. Continue whisking until sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Fold in 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Let sauce cool for a minute, then stir in ½ cup plain Greek yogurt.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to distribute evenly without mashing broccoli.
  8. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
  9. If desired, mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over casserole.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash more milk to loosen. Watch breadcrumbs in last 10 minutes to prevent burning. Can substitute broccoli with cauliflower or add cooked chicken for protein. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or omit topping. For dairy-free, use plant milk, dairy-free cheese, and coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli casserole, cheese casserole, rice casserole, creamy casserole, Southern recipe, healthy casserole, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-broccoli-cheese-and-rice-casserole-easy-healthy-southern-recipe-to-try/